Fulton County ESDA prepares for expected strong winter storm

Fulton County is expected to be impacted by a strong winter storm, starting on Tuesday and ending Wednesday, according to Fulton County Emergency Services Disaster Agency Director Chris Helle.

Helle reports the area is expected to see around 12 inches of snow, starting Tuesday afternoon, and ending Wednesday.

Today, only light snow is expected.

By LINDA WOODS Executive Editor

Canton Daily Ledger - Canton, IL

By LINDA WOODS Executive Editor

Posted Jan. 31, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 31, 2011 at 1:39 AM

By LINDA WOODS Executive Editor

Posted Jan. 31, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jan 31, 2011 at 1:39 AM

FULTON COUNTY

Fulton County is expected to be impacted by a strong winter storm, starting on Tuesday and ending Wednesday, according to Fulton County Emergency Services Disaster Agency Director Chris Helle.

Helle reports the area is expected to see around 12 inches of snow, starting Tuesday afternoon, and ending Wednesday.

Today, only light snow is expected.

Helle says that the National Weather Service is calling this one of the strongest storms the area has experienced since 2006.

Snow is expected to begin around mid day on Tuesday with rates of approximately 3 inches per hour possible in the middle of the day and in the evening.

Fulton County is likely in the highest snow fall estimates from the National Weather Service, says Helle, who will provide further updates.

Ice is expected to stay south of Fulton County.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service is advising winds of around 20 to 30 miles per hour are expected, with gusts around 40 miles per hour.

Helle warns that may cause whiteout conditions.

As of Monday morning, the county is under a winter storm watch until Wednesday. The watch may be upgraded to a warning at any time.

After the snow storm passes thru the area on Wednesday, sub-zero temperatures are expected to impact the area through Thursday. Weather conditions could change without much notice, says Helle.

Area residents are encouraged to stay off the roads and remain indoors during a winter storm. Roads can be very dangerous to travel on and white out conditions can occur without notice, reports Helle.

“The biggest thing we can stress is for area residents to be prepared. Staying off the roads on Tuesday and Wednesday will be a major help to our area first responders, road crews, and overall safety of everyone” emphasizes Helle.

Helle asks residents to have a winter preparedness kit for their vehicles and have their vehicles fully fueled. Kits should include blankets, cell phone and charger, water, snacks, shovel and other items.

“Stay in your vehicle if you get stuck,” says Helle, who also tells drivers to turn on their hazard lights, clear the tailpipe of snow, and call for assistance.

More information on preparedness kits can be found at:

http://www.ready.illinois.gov

or search for Fulton County ESDA on Facebook and Lewistown ESDA on Facebook.

Fulton County ESDA will update their Facebook page with storm information during the storm. Residents are also encouraged to monitor local media and NOAA All Hazard Weather Radios for information on this rapidly developing storm.